Hold Me

She knew that now. She knew other things, too. Like the scent of his skin and how his gaze sharpened when he entered her. She knew that he liked it when she made noise when she came. She knew the sound of his voice as he urged her on.

He walked over and pulled her against him. “Tired?” he asked.

“A little.”

Neither of them had slept. They’d spent the night making love. After her first climax, she’d been stunned. Blown away. Pick your description, she thought, still amazed by what had happened. Then he’d slipped inside her, and she’d climaxed again.

They’d gone to dinner, then returned to their room to make love over and over again. She hurt everywhere, but the ache was worth it. Every step reminded her of what they’d done. Of how he had pleased her.

He stroked her hair then lowered his mouth to hers. She leaned into him, parting her lips immediately. As his tongue tangled with hers, she was already unbuttoning the front of her shirt. When it was open, she unhooked her bra then grabbed his hands and put them on her breasts.

His kiss turned greedy, then he pulled away. “Hold that thought. I want to check the front door.”

Because they were alone in the empty house. The local real-estate agent had simply handed them keys to the handful of houses that were vacant and for sale. Apparently, word that they were looking for something they could close on quickly had spread.

Kipling hurried out of the kitchen. Destiny put the time to good use. She unfastened her jeans and toed out of her shoes. By the time he returned, she was naked.

Kipling took one look at her then shook his head. “You’re going to kill us both.”

She grinned. “I doubt that.”

He crossed to her and grabbed her by the waist, then settled her on the built-in desk. She reached for the fly of his jeans and freed him.

He was already hard. She parted her thighs, and he pushed home. She wrapped her legs around his hips and drew him in deep.

It only took them a thrust or two to find the right rhythm. Even as he returned his mouth to hers, he was also cupping her breasts. She ran her hands over his chest and back, then shifted closer, pulling him in deeper.

He filled her completely. Nerve endings were already screaming for the hot friction. At minute one, she was breathing hard. At minute two, she was nearing her climax. At minute three she opened her eyes to find him watching her.

In and out. He moved hard and fast, pushing her closer and closer.

“Yes,” he breathed, his gaze locked with hers.

He could see her getting closer. They’d both figured that out last night. As she strained toward her release, he went deeper. It was just enough.

She felt the first telltale internal shudders. Her orgasm swept over her, claiming her. She shook and groaned, all the while looking into his eyes. Letting him see it all.

He didn’t break rhythm, not even once. She felt him shaking as he held back until she was done. When she’d quieted, he squeezed her butt and pushed in one more time. She watched his face tighten as he climaxed inside her.

They stayed like that—connected and united—until their breathing slowed. They kissed each other slowly, lazily, letting their bodies return to a more resting state. He withdrew and then helped her dress.

After fastening her bra, he reached around and cupped her breasts. Wanting shot through her. She could never get enough of him, she thought, not sure if that was good news or bad news. Something about his body and her body created an irresistible dynamic.

She pulled on her T-shirt then faced him.

“I am turning into my parents,” she murmured, stepping into his embrace.

“I’ve yet to see you throw a plate, so I don’t think so.”

She laughed. “I’m sure the plate throwing will be next. But the sex thing. I had no idea.”

He touched her chin. “It’s not usually like this,” he admitted. “Usually it’s less intense. And less frequent. Even at first.” He smiled. “This is unexpected for me, too.”

For a second she wondered if it was more than that. If her reaction to him were as much about her brain as her body. Because when she thought about all the things good in a man, Kipling checked every box. But he also scared her. He was a really good guy, and he made her blood race. Kind of an irresistible combination. Which was exactly what she’d been trying to avoid.

He put his arm around her then turned her so she was facing the kitchen. “Want to talk about the space?” he asked.

She laughed. “I like the built-in desk.”

“It’s convenient.” He kissed the top of her head. “Okay, we’re going to be adults about this. We’re house hunting. Does this one work for us?” He motioned to the open area just beyond the island. “There’s room for a table and chairs there. The playpen could go there.”

Playpen? Kipling continued talking, but Destiny couldn’t listen anymore. She pressed her hand against her stomach and let the reality settle over her. She was pregnant. Yes, she’d known that before, but it hadn’t been real. It probably still wasn’t. But here she was, married, looking for a house with her new husband. Because they were having a baby together. Plus, she was responsible for her teenage sister.

It was a lot for anyone to take on. She could have staggered under the weight of all of it, only she wouldn’t because she wasn’t alone. She had Kipling at her side.

* * *

DESTINY HESITATED BEFORE walking into Jo’s. While she usually looked forward to her standing weekly lunch date with her friends, today she was more than a little apprehensive. She had a feeling that announcing her recent and very unexpected marriage was going to shift the focus of the conversation.